Investigation of the rates of retinopathy of prematurity and other diseases in infants born late preterm: is routine ROP examination required?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of ROP and other ocular diseases in late preterm infants and to evaluate the necessity of routine ROP examination in a tertiary hospital in Turkey.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included late preterm infants treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and referred to the ROP outpatient clinic. Those who were discharged or died before the first screening and those who did not complete all screening sessions were excluded. The data set comprised demographic information, gestational age, birth weight, stages of ROP, treatments, and the presence of other ocular comorbidities.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 600 late preterm infants, with a median gestational age of 35 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2392 ± 451 g. Of the infants included in the study, 3.3% developed ROP, with one infant requiring treatment. Furthermore, 4.8% of the subjects exhibited additional ocular comorbidities. The results indicated a statistically significant correlation between lower birth weight and gestational age with an increased prevalence of ROP and other ocular pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

ROP incidence in late preterm infants is relatively low, although comorbidities are notable. Infants born late preterm with lower birth weight and gestational age are at greater risk for ROP and additional pathologies. It is recommended that routine screening for ROP be conducted in order to ensure that ROP and other ocular conditions are diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, thus preventing severe visual impairments.